Mark Ellis' walk-off HR, with 2 out in the 9th and the game tied 2-2, had no chance of being high enough to clear the LF wall. Until a flying unicorn swooped down and carried it over the wall. It's been that kind of month for Ellis, who drove in 2 of the A's 3 runs to give him 19 for the month of August.
This after the umpires, on this Turn Back The Clock Day, tried to re-enact the Black Sox scandal in the top of the 9th inning. First they allowed Jayson Nix to reach 1st on an infield hit on which he appeared to be out -- so much so that the entire A's defense took 3 steps towards the dugout before realizing the inning wasn't over. Bob Geren argued. Nix then stole second, but over slid the bag and was tagged out by Crosby. Nix was ruled safe on the premise that Crosby had moved Nix off the base with his glove. Bob Geren argued, but was throw out before he could argue for the cycle in the inning. Undaunted, Andrew Bailey struck out Scott Podsednik to end the inning and the rest was unicorn lore.
This was all made possible by a strong 6+ inning, 2 run effort by Trevor Cahill, a clutch performance by Jay Marshall to get out the two on, nobody out mess left behind by Cahill in the 7th, and a daring "hustle double" by Rajai Davis, followed by a game-tying double by Scott Hairston, in the 8th.
The atmosphere today was fantastic. The A's did the Turn Back The Clock event beautifully, from the uniforms to the black and white Diamond Vision, to the scoreboard's "PHI" for the home team's linescore, to the Depression Era music, to Dick Callahan's presence in a straw hat sitting behind an old-time mike at an outside table down by the A's dugout.
Just a great day overall capped off by Unicorn magic. Enjoy it for the next 36 hours, because Brett Tomko is starting on Monday night to try to continue the theme of great depression.
0 recs | 205 comments
I told my season ticket buddy to focus
when Ellis came up to the plate in the ninth — and just like that! A’s win!
Lots of high fives in and around section 225…nice way to become a RAF again…
I have tickets to tomorrow and Tuesday games…carpooling if no BART
OaklandSi - August 16, 2009
that was Jason Nix, not Lance
but you’re right about the HR, I thought it was going to hit the wall — I was actually surprised it went out.
OaklandSi - August 16, 2009
It got out quick, too. Only way it was gonna happen.
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
Whoops, thanks -- I wrote a little fast
Anyway, as far as I know there is no Lance. Just a Laynce.
Nico - August 16, 2009
I also wrote a little fast
he goes by Jayson, not Jason…whodathunkit?
OaklandSi - August 16, 2009
Blame their Moym and Dayd for the funny spellings.
iglew - August 16, 2009
Ziyng!
Nico - August 16, 2009
There, it's fixed again: Jayson Nicks.
Nico - August 16, 2009
Stevey Nicks?
JediLeroy - August 17, 2009
I hope someone got pictures of the nicknames on the scoreboard
A.J. “Wet Blanket” Pierzynski was my favorite. :)
gigglingone - August 16, 2009
that was great
OaklandSi - August 16, 2009
Raj "Crazy Legs" Davis
Tommy “Babyface” Everidge
They did a good job with the nicknames.
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
Oh, and Adam "Machine Gun" Kennedy.
pew pew pew
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
Agreed
They also did a great job with the ChiSox nicknames. I sat next to a whitesox fan who remarked on most of them.
hishnik - August 16, 2009
That was pretty awesome.
“Fidget” Garciaparra was also quite good. :)
Kyli - August 16, 2009
I wanted to see Cust in the line-up
Partially to see what nickname he would have had on the Diamondvision
hishnik - August 16, 2009
Forgot my camera.
I want to smack myself silly for that.
Big lynnzgal and skigurl hug at the end. Thanks markellis!
That was a fun day!
lynnzgal - August 16, 2009
so did I :(
Cheezombie - August 16, 2009
I had seen all of Cahill's Coliseum starts in April and May
and had remarked on his seeming non-sinkerballness.
Today he mostly kept it down until the sixth inning.
Tomko?….uhhhh….
OaklandSi - August 16, 2009
No homers allowed in back-to-back starts now
Flashfire - August 16, 2009
I saw JLaff on the way out of the Coliseum
with his camera…he said he got some good shots
OaklandSi - August 16, 2009
BBTN guys said Nix was pushed off the bag, but Crosby was clearly just keeping the tag on him. Man what a TERRIBLE call. So glad it didn't end up mattering.
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
I went back on MLB.TV to see the Chicago feed (I know, it's Hawk, shoot me).
On Nix’s run to first, Hawk mentioned that the Sox got a break, but it wasn’t as big as what the A’s got earlier.
And of course, they claimed Crosby’s “push off” was a great call. Terrible. Just terrible.
danmerqury - August 16, 2009
Baseball Tonight announcers actually agreed with the call!
Ridiculous!
Synx - August 16, 2009
Oh, that's what you were saying
Woops
Synx - August 16, 2009
I don't think Yahoo is going to understand that headline, Nico ;-D
Flashfire - August 16, 2009
Or Sportsline or whoever.
Flashfire - August 16, 2009
I'm trying to get a whole new crop of 6 year olds to discover the site
Thanks for putting up the extra thread!
Nico - August 16, 2009
You got it
Have fun checking your e-mail.
Flashfire - August 16, 2009
This is one for the (old) ages
I was sitting right by the A’s bullpen in 126. I couldn’t believe Elly’s ball got over the wall. If it was a night game, no way.
This umpire crew should be sternly reprimanded by MLB. The sucked in SF and brought their suckitude to Oakland for a repeat.
Technotofu - August 16, 2009
I was extremely impressed with what they did with the turn back the clock day
It seems like the A’s have acted like their time in Philadelphia never exists. But today was great. The scoreboard said “Welcome to Shibe Park” and also had PHI for the A’s. The handouts were great. The Model A parade was a good idea. Black and white Diamond Vision. Heck, even Stomper was decked out in the throwbacks.
Cheezombie - August 16, 2009
It was also a great marketing move
To stock the gift store with throwback hats and Uni’s, even with the freebie, the Family ended up buying additional hats and uniforms. The 50 Cent peanut promotion was cool also. One of the better promotional days I have seen in a long time, it almost made you forget the discolored grass from the Raider bleachers, or Mount Davis.
hishnik - August 16, 2009
Yeah i was tempted to buy a throwback hat
Cheezombie - August 16, 2009
50 Cent was selling peanuts? Cool.
That’s probably a lot closer to the actual condition of a major-league field in 1929 than the pristine fields they play on today!
Nick - August 16, 2009
Except for the 50-yard line running down 2nd base to the pitcher's mound.
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
Hmm, I don't know about that
Wikipedia says…Though that probably wasn’t happening in August!
Shibe also had a CF flagpole in the field of play. And, IIRC, they would drag the batting cage out to deep CF (something like 500 feet from the plate), and it was in play, too.
Nick - August 16, 2009
OK, FINE NICK.
sheesh.
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
Is your avatar sticking its tongue out at me? :p
Nick - August 16, 2009
careful.
she holds grudges.
Leopold Bloom - August 16, 2009
Not against Nick...
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
Awwww....
…thanks, Pam!
Nick - August 16, 2009
We so should have gotten Jerry Blevins
to stand in CF for this game.
Nico - August 16, 2009
That's just wrong.
Why do you have to be such a hater?
ZigFan31 - August 16, 2009
Or maybe Vida Blue or Ron Hassey
Nick - August 16, 2009
and it's strange too,
cause Nick never went horribly out his way to do something nice for you…huh.
Leopold Bloom - August 16, 2009
:p
Not you either. I’m going to frame that sucker next pay period, too. I swear.
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
you haven't framed it yet?
I’m surprised. It’ll look good, tho.
Leopold Bloom - August 16, 2009
No, I'm a slacker and I'm anxious about how expensive it will be.
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
Wait until Michaels has their 40% off sale
for their framing and matting. That makes it more reasonable.
Leopold Bloom - August 16, 2009
If you remember correctly?
are you a Spanish American war vet?
Future Ed - August 16, 2009
No, IIRC as in, "I think I read this somewhere, but I'm too lazy to actually google it"
Nick - August 16, 2009
Good
Cuz I had this picture in my mind of you having to re-adjust your laptop when you decide to type because of all the onions on your belt, which was the style at the time.
Future Ed - August 16, 2009
...and that's why everyone in Shelbyville drinks turnip juice!
Nick - August 16, 2009
Today was awesome.
The A’s did a great job with this promotion, it was my first game in awhile and it was SO much fun. From the B&W DiamondVision to the Philadephia on all the scoreboards and all the vendors/announcing/everything being into it… They did a wonderful job making it more than the usual ‘just wear the uniforms’ throwback game.
Major props to the Unicorn for once again proving himself to be short but FIERCE. I really didn’t think that ball would get out. I was hoping for it to hit the wall, to drop down, to do SOMETHING but goddddddaaaaamn, that was just the perfect ending for the game.
Thumbs down for Manager Bob not getting someone up in the bullpen faster. Cahill did well for awhile, but when he loses it, it tends to be GONE. But major thumbs UP for getting tossed — it looked like it was either going to be him or Crosby getting yoinked out of the ballpark, good for him for standing up for a very steamed team after all those calls. He walked off to a loud ovation, while the umps got a nice ‘YOU SUCK’ chant in their direction.
This was the perfect day to be at the ballpark. At least we have SOME memories to be cheerful about tomorrow…
Kyli - August 16, 2009
You know what else was nice?
No blaring music between innings. Believe me, i likes my rock n roll but it was nice to have one day without loud music.
Tomorrow night, for the fffffffn Yanks, crank it up. Loud.
See you there in 123.
-Pete
scoo0oop - August 16, 2009
I loved the absence of modern music as well
Not even ‘Celebration’ after the walk-off. Just period music and organ. Perfect.
doctorK - August 16, 2009
Loved the music!
I walked out singing “Ain’t She Sweet”
lynnzgal - August 16, 2009
That is so, so, so amazing. I'm so sad I'm in Illinois now. :-(
speckops - August 16, 2009
Just baseball
I loved it
OaklandSi - August 16, 2009 via mobile
The A's should do this 80 games out of the year,
and have one special “Turn Forward The Clock” day where they don’t. Seriously.
Nico - August 16, 2009
Next up...1979 Night!
Nick - August 16, 2009
Or, have a Turn the Clock forward day
where they play in silver lame and all have rocket packs and the like.
Now that, i would pay to see.
they could justify the extra expense, too, by upping the ticket prices to 2025 levels
bobnothing - August 17, 2009
"Cunningham flies to medium left-center...
…and he hasn’t even batted yet!"
Nico - August 17, 2009
Why is Ellis still batting in the bottom of the order?
Cheezombie - August 16, 2009
I was thinking this morning that against a LHP, Ellis should be higher
Still it all worked out.
Nico - August 16, 2009
Wait, was Pierzynski actually labeled A.J. “Wet Blanket” Pierzynski on the scoreboard? I really wish I’d seen this game.
speckops - August 16, 2009
Yes. It was awesome, and could have been
topped only had they chosen “Asshat” instead.
Nico - August 16, 2009
I told Mrs doctorK they used "Wet Blanket" because they couldn't put "Ass Jack" on the board
doctorK - August 16, 2009
This game was a lot more fun than Madden NFL 2010.
Rated-R Superstar - August 16, 2009
The atmosphere
At the game was unlike any other I’ve been to this year. I can’t remember seeing an A’s crowd as livid as they were in the 9th following two blatantly bad calls. It was really awesome, and seeing Geren as flaily and pissed as he was was quite a thrill.
Is that really the same crew from the giants/dodgers game? They are setting new lows. The umpiring during that series was, by leaps and bounds, the most egregiously awful refereeing of any kind I have seen in pro sports.
ORthey - August 16, 2009
We were at the game
and right before the bottom of the ninth started, my wife turned to me and said “Ellis walk off home run to end it”….and it’s our one year anniversary. love that woman!
faninphilly - August 16, 2009
No 9th inning tease today!
Flashfire - August 16, 2009
More like the tease was consummated really quickly.
Minute-man tease. That took <3 seconds to get out.
speckops - August 16, 2009
Ellis thought the score was 4-2
Future Ed - August 16, 2009
I guess you could say the tease was in whether it'd hit the fence or go over
Flashfire - August 16, 2009
It sure wasn't in whether Podsednik would catch it
He’s a really awful outfielder — all things considered, he’s probably worse than Cust, because Cust’s main problem is that he’s not athletic, whereas Pod is fast. He just can’t field.
OT, but I’ve got to remember: next time someone asks what Dave Collins was like, the answer is, “He was the 1980’s version of Scott Podsednik.”
Nick - August 16, 2009
Also, he really should have caught Hairston's double earlier. He was right there.
I mean, thank you, Scott Podsednik.
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
It's too bad the ball didn't carome off the wall and bonk him in the melon
Like it did the LAST time he completely misplayed a ball to the wall in LF in Oakland.
mikev - August 16, 2009
Right
I sort of thought that he was having problems picking up balls that had already hit the ground because of the condition of the field, but (a) no one else was whiffing on those same kinds of balls, and (b) he was also completely lost when the ball was in the air.
Nick - August 16, 2009
Pods
JediLeroy - August 17, 2009
I liked this game
Hard grit, never quit attitude, hard to kill.
Hit4TheCycle - August 16, 2009
*Additional generic movie reference*
Seriously, though…that was some quality baseball in spite of some truly odious umpiring.
Axl - August 16, 2009
Nice call on the "great depression" line, Nico!
So, to everyone else, no rush on the bank! Hold your stock! The As value will rise. Prevent the Great Depression!
paris7 - August 16, 2009
But sell Tomko!
Please.
Nico - August 16, 2009
A forfeit is 9-0
Would a better line be seen as a win?
I can’t see Tomko getting past the first inning.
Awful idea, awful idea. And the A’s have been doing so well on Mondays.
richwol1 - August 16, 2009
Is there any rational explanation for putting Tomko in the rotation?
Just makes no sense whatsoever to me. Anyone? Bueller?
GreenNGoldSooner - August 17, 2009
I just posted something on the subject...
My thoughts.
Nico - August 17, 2009
Fun game! I'm trying to recall all the nicknames
What was Scott Hairston’s nickname?
SwisherThresher - August 16, 2009
Stone wall?
Noodles is my favorite generic nickname
Future Ed - August 16, 2009
It's almost like they knew he'd drop a routine fly ball.
Nico - August 16, 2009
It was very Jack Cust-esque.
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
skigurl said that exact same thing.
lynnzgal - August 16, 2009
so did I
(hey, it’s not like it’s an uncommon thought)
OaklandSi - August 16, 2009
Was there a "Rube"?
Nick - August 16, 2009
Knuckles
I got pics of all of the nicknames
JLaff - August 16, 2009
That's it!
lynnzgal - August 16, 2009
Man, I didn't even get a LITTLE kudos?
I mean, it was a 1-0 pitch and not a first pitch walkoff, but cripes… I called it!
Also, I’m not completely sure Ellis told the umpire to Fuck Off as he rounded second, but if he didn’t… he should have.
mikev - August 16, 2009
he was running pretty fast
I think he was expecting a double. He didn’t look like he said anything to anyone.
OaklandSi - August 16, 2009
Yeah, he said as much in the post-game with Vince.
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
Still could have told the ump to Fuck Off, just while he was running by quickly.
mikev - August 16, 2009
He didn't stop to thank the ump for his hard work -
For Midwesterners, that IS saying “Fuck you”.
Englishmajor - August 16, 2009
If you get tossed by the 2B ump during a HR trot, does the run count?
Nick - August 16, 2009
sure...but just wait til the next game when that ump see you...
OaklandSi - August 16, 2009
Looks like no BART strike
Englishmajor - August 16, 2009
Its a good day, all around.
lynnzgal - August 16, 2009
Before I post my photo fanpost...
I just wanted to show this. Each player had a 1920s-y nickname on Diamond Vision when lineups were announced.
Here’s AJ Pierzynski:
JLaff - August 16, 2009
Yay!
So glad you did that. What was Hairston’s? I’m drawing a complete blank.
lynnzgal - August 16, 2009
Knuckles
JLaff - August 16, 2009
I was also disappointed Ozzie Guillen's wasn't better
Just “Skip”
JLaff - August 16, 2009
That is, quite possibly, the greatest thing I have ever seen.
vegAN ryAN - August 16, 2009
I'm just going to assume that AJ wets his own blanket, there
Nick - August 16, 2009
Best. Nickname. Ever.
scoo0oop - August 16, 2009
no kidding? that is cool.
i bet they were tempted to write AJ “fck-head” Pierzynski
ak_A - August 16, 2009
Top of the 9th
Our whole section was livid after Nix was ruled safe (as we were already ticked after the debacle at first). I was half expecting Nix would reach third via the bad call hat trick. We were more than happy to join in on the “You Suck!” chants.
In the bottom half of the 9th, I was slightly worried it would prove to be a quick 3 up 3 down for Jenks. Huzzah huzzah for the throwback uni-corn!
One of the best games of the season, no doubt.
SwisherThresher - August 16, 2009
That's a great shot.
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
Wow... awesome picture!
JLaff - August 16, 2009
Yep! Bad call, great pic.
The Bing/Nix photo is in the AP gallery. I hope to come across some high-res shots so I can create a wallpaper
SwisherThresher - August 16, 2009
It was great to learn the A’s won in the bottom of the 9th despite more bad calls from the umps.
In the end, it was a perfect day in Oakland!
A's Fan in Virginia - August 16, 2009
next time we'll move to the LF foul pole thoughts
hi there a’s fans it’s me cara here in section 241 with stomper dressed in full flapper regalia oh wait that’s just my hangover making me see elephants in tuxedos can i get a let’s go oakland? ok maybe a let’s go philadelphia? i know how about a suck my balls pieczynski!!! yeahhhhhh that’s more like it hi a’s fans it’s me cara here in the smoking section behind section 202 i’m with a’s fans e-40 and too $hort here at the 3rd inning safety meeting ahhhhh yesssssss oakland you know they ain’t smokin this shit at the st louis cardinals game maybe they get the playoffs but we get the grapefruit kush how ya like them apples matt holliday hi again a’s fans it me cara and as part of retro 1929 day here at the coliseum i have decided to commemorate the stack market crash of 1929 by leaping off mount davis like it’s a skyscraper and i’m a stockbroker that’s right a’s fans next year’s promotions will feature turn back the clock to 1968 night vintage original jerseys classic period music mustang convertibles and yes the first pitch will be thrown out by sirhan sirhan and the girl in the polka dot dress hi a’s fans it’s me cara again i am sorta sad and bittersweet today because the team has just informed me that next year i will be replaced by goapele oh well let’s see what’s going on in section 103 oh my here are a’s fans emperor and his roommates clearly they have benefited from the unofficial stub hub seat upgrade this afternoon tell us boys are you having a good time did you bring suntan lotion was it you guys that drew this “mandatory marijuana now” slogan on the RF foul pole wow this is the loudest YOU SUCK chant at the umps i’ve ever heard or been a part of 2 down 2 out can i get a m-a-r! k-e-l! l-i-s!!! mark ellis you can put it on the boaaaaaaaarrrrrrd YES!!!!!!!
emperor nobody - August 16, 2009
It was all good until that goddamn Chisox call at the end.
mikev - August 16, 2009
Cara's lucky I didn't throw her down and steal that boa.
lynnzgal - August 16, 2009
I'd throw her down all right.
mikev - August 16, 2009
I saw her up-close at the ice cream stand behind section 130
Sssssmokin!
doctorK - August 16, 2009
"unofficial stub hub seat upgrade"
nice
pam5981 - August 16, 2009
Holy shit. Usain Bolt ran the 100 in 9.58
DESTROYED his own world record.
Tyson Gay (USA!!!) finished second in 9.71… that would have been the world record a year ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAQ0LQ2NZAE
mikev - August 16, 2009
The highlight choices for today's game
TEX vs BOS
LAA vs BAL
TRACK and FIELD
We saw Bolt break the record in Diamond Vision
That guy is incredible
SwisherThresher - August 16, 2009
No way was I going to cheer for slegnA or Red Sux highlights
doctorK - August 16, 2009
He probably would have run that time in the Olympics, too,
if he’d actually run the whole 100 meters!
Nick - August 16, 2009
Sandbagging
gives him the chance to best his record the next Olympics.
MobiusKlein - August 16, 2009
Surely you meant
Tyson Homosexual?
Englishmajor - August 16, 2009
{{celebrates the Jamaican way}}
emperor nobody - August 16, 2009
gigglingone - August 16, 2009
HELL YES
mikev - August 16, 2009
FEEL THE RHYTHM.
ElQuesoCapitan - August 16, 2009
Cap'n, what the hell does Gloria Estefan have to do with Jamaican bobsledders?
Leopold Bloom - August 16, 2009
EVERYTHING.
See below
ElQuesoCapitan - August 16, 2009
MSM sing about bobsledding?!
Leopold Bloom - August 16, 2009
FEEL THE RHYME.
GET ON UP.
IT’S BOBSLED TIME.
COOOOOOOOOOOOOL RUNNINZ!!!!!!
mikev - August 16, 2009
Whens the last time the A's had a .300 hitter
Today Rajai Davis upped his average to exactly .300. He has done a great job and am happy to see him have this success. not to mention 6th in league in steals with 24
Belinelli's the savior - August 16, 2009
Ken mentioned today that a .300 hitting, 30 steal season
is totally doable for Rajai. I hadn’t thought about that.
Nico - August 16, 2009
Anybody watching the LLWS?
There is absolutely no way in hell these socal kids are 13. one of them is 6’2, 205?
mikev - August 16, 2009
Also, when are they going to move the fences back at Lamade?
200 feet is a joke for 12 and 13 year olds. Especially with composite bat technology, all they have to do is make contact and elevate hte ball and it’s a HR.
mikev - August 16, 2009
Jealous?
ZigFan31 - August 16, 2009
Ouch.
mikev - August 16, 2009
There was a 6th grader at my daughter's elementary school 2 years ago
who must have been 6’2 250. The kid is insanely huge.
Nick - August 16, 2009
{puts one and one together}
…so does your daughter go to grade school in SoCal?
Leopold Bloom - August 16, 2009
Decided to watch the replay on the On-Demand
Those two calls in the 9th inning were god-awful atrocious. I normally am not one to bitch about umpires, but this crew brutalized the Gnats during their series with the Dodgers, and then today. Also, I thought the call by the third-base ump on Ellis’ attempt at a double in the 6th inning was horrible as well.
doctorK - August 16, 2009
agreed
and not to beat a dead horse, (because we won afterall) but if you look at the 2 pitches bailey threw (one before the stolen base attempt and the other during) they were basically perfect pitches both called balls. It seemed like the umps were actively trying give the sox the game.
Anyway, great win. Go A’s
chipper1001 - August 16, 2009
+ 1,000,000
Technotofu - August 16, 2009
anyone have anywhere to see a replay of it?
Since mlb doesn’t add controversial calls to their highlights on the a’s website. Wish they would it’s a part of the game. Especially when someone gets tossed or their is a brawl, but they try to ignore it. Also will make sure any mlb video posted on youtube is pulled within ten minutes. Which I would understand if they wanted the viewers and posted the videos, but nope it’s a sweep it under the rug act.
Reading the white socks blog, they all say the ump made a great call on it. So just want to decide on my own. Are we being overly homerish on the call or are they.
Athletix Man - August 17, 2009
The two plays leading up to Geren getting tossed are up on there.
JediLeroy - August 17, 2009
"Big Cat" Line-Drive HR in 1997
One of my few remaining memories of 1997 is a vicious line drive HR by Andres “Big Cat” Galarraga for the Rockies against the A’s. Ellis’s 2-iron shot today was very much like that one… over the 330 sign in the twinkling of an eye. The Sunday Examiner said that Galarraga’s “slammed into the seats before the Coliseum crowd of 25,139 even knew what had happened”. Obviously, the team drew better in the days of $5 third-deck seats… $4.50 (?) more than the team gets from fans sitting at home watching on TV.
muscatel - August 16, 2009
They drew 25k in '97?
Impressive
Helloooo 1st - August 16, 2009
What a crappy day to have to work!
Sounds like I missed a great game, complete with controversy, bad blood, and general ass hattery.
Damn the bad luck. On the other hand, I’m driving down for the Yankee series so maybe I’ll get to see a good old fashioned bench clearing brawl!
alox - August 16, 2009
I really wish I could have been there for this one. It sounds like it was so much fun.
My only disappointment from watching it on tv was that Geren should have worn a suit.
Those uniforms were so cool. I want one of those hats, too.
UncleLeo - August 16, 2009
Ken said that Geren wouldn't be allowed on the field in a suit during the game
that seems dumb.
Future Ed - August 16, 2009
I know MLB has that rule, but...
…I’m sorry, I cannot fathom why MLB would not allow an exception for something like this. I mean, c’mon MLB, don’t be such sticks-in-the-mud. It’s one game, it’s fun, it’s honoring your tradition and history… something you claim to care so deeply about.
UncleLeo - August 16, 2009
Only big bud wears a suit.
ElQuesoCapitan - August 16, 2009
I didn't suggest Geren should wear a crappy wrinkled suit. LOL!
UncleLeo - August 16, 2009
You're talking about a business that blocks YouTube footage
so that they don’t risk that fans might see major league baseball and become interested.
Nico - August 16, 2009
There is a Major League baseball?
Future Ed - August 16, 2009
You bet. I saw the movie.
UncleLeo - August 16, 2009
Is that a subsidiary of the NFL?
ElQuesoCapitan - August 16, 2009
Yes. It happens every few weeks during the summer....
…when the Yankees play the Red Sox. I’m not sure what the two MLB teams do the rest of the time, though.
GreenNGoldSooner - August 17, 2009
He wore a suit to give the lineup
To the ump, then changed.
Instead of a Connie Mack-style hat he wore a fedora.
OaklandSi - August 17, 2009 via mobile
That's something, at least.
UncleLeo - August 17, 2009
And I believe that the suit was from the MEN'S WEARHOUSE
and it was shown in HD with DIBS.
Seriously, it would have been much cooler if they’d gotten Geren a suit that was actually cut like one of Connie Mack’s, instead of just a regular, early 21C suit.
From the MEN’S WEARHOUSE…..did I mention that?
GreenNGoldSooner - August 17, 2009
I've returned after being on a week long cheese voyage.
Time to re watch this game on On Demand.
ElQuesoCapitan - August 16, 2009
Cheese Voyage? Is that where you travel in one of these....
GreenNGoldSooner - August 17, 2009
Question regarding turn-back-the-clock games...
…Does the home team pay to outfit the visiting team?
Just curious, nothing more, but it seems like they would as it’s their promotion and the visiting team is just along for the ride.
UncleLeo - August 16, 2009
I think it was planned/
Not sure.
ElQuesoCapitan - August 16, 2009
I was wondering where Suzuki got a blue chest protector
I imagined Mickey Morabito calling the Blue Jays asking, “Can the your backup catcher spare his for one day?” and being told, “Mmmm, not sure…Better try the Royals.”
Nico - August 16, 2009
I wondered that too, but...
…figured they just picked up a generic one at the local sporting goods store.
UncleLeo - August 16, 2009
No, no calls were made
the A’s are just that cheap.
Future Ed - August 16, 2009
So is his blue chest protector made of dirt and mortar?
ElQuesoCapitan - August 16, 2009
And of the blue blood of spiders, for color/
ElQuesoCapitan - August 16, 2009
No the a's offered Jason Grimsley
$25 and a throwback jersey to “”http://www.oobleck.com/orioles/archives/2004/07/the_corked_bat_caper_ten_years.html" >do his thing" and get one when the Jays were in town.
Future Ed - August 16, 2009
fail
Future Ed - August 16, 2009
Home team provides both jerseys.
Remember reading in the past A’s had problems with their jerseys not being all correct sizes when they were visitors during a throwback game. They explained that a few weeks or month before the game, visiting team will provide all the sizes to the home team. The home team then has everything made up and waiting for them when they get there for the game.
Athletix Man - August 17, 2009
Makes sense.
I don’t remember exact specifics as in dates or teams, but I do recall one or two times where the visiting team did not participate. Only the home team was decked out.
UncleLeo - August 17, 2009
Yes
OaklandSi - August 17, 2009 via mobile
Also
ElQuesoCapitan - August 16, 2009
+ a million billion
#14fan - August 17, 2009
Of course
I have to have family over today and thus could not watch the game as I was forced to “entertain”. Saw the Ellis highlight on the A’s website and man that reminded me of Kendall’s only homer in ’05 with Ray yelling “Get up, get up!”
All jubilation aside, it seems as if our offense has finally come back to earth with the addition of good opposing pitchers into the equation.
Helloooo 1st - August 16, 2009
Ellis' hr was hit harder
and went out much quicker than Kendall’s. There was no time for anyone to yell “get up”.
Everyone — Ellis, the announcers, me — thought he hit a liner that could be a double.
OaklandSi - August 17, 2009 via mobile
cojones
Was at the game today with family: henderson heights, fantastic throwback jersey giveaway, great atmosphere, chatty stands, blistering sun, and a much-needed sense of history celebrated for this teams’ amazing legacy. . . but. . . where were the drummers? Haven’t seen them in left field for the last 3 games I’ve attended— are they gone now because they can’t figure out new beats to the ever-changing lineup? (there was one dude with some congas in center field, but. . . )
anyway, best thing about this game was seeing geren jaw the ump and get himself thrown out— he really had to given the circumstances of the bad calls, but at least we finally saw that he has a little bit of what a rebuilding team’s manager needs: cojones. It’s what this opera calls for.
oaklidiot - August 16, 2009
One thing that's always infuriated me
Is that when you go to the Colesium there’s zero mention of how we are an OG franchise, and if you look around, youd think our history starts in 1968, when it really starts in 1901. It was nice to see the Phily part of our history represented, but it should have been there all along. Do kids even know who Jimmie Foxx is these days?
PL78 - August 17, 2009
To be fair though..
Besides ignoring the pre Oakland days, they don’t have much on their history period. Would be nice if they tried a little bit more. Some kind of museum or history of the franchise area. Hell the Phillies have more of a history area on the A’s both Philly and Oakland years than do the A’s.
Athletix Man - August 17, 2009
perhaps when they finally get that beloved new stadium.....
boy that sure would be nice because I agree with you totally about honoring the history of the franchise.
mrod - August 17, 2009
This ignoring of pre-Oakland history has been a pet-peeve of mine for a long time.
They should make it known that the A’s have the 3rd most WS titles in baseball, and 2nd in the AL. NO OTHER TEAM in the AL, save the Yankees, has as many or more WS titles than the A’s.
UncleLeo - August 17, 2009
Not even the Red Sox...
…though to hear some people tell it, you’d swear they’ve won every year since 1965.
UncleLeo - August 17, 2009
Isn't being the Best Team in Baseball retroactive?
bobnothing - August 17, 2009
This is why I loved the return of the White Elephant in the 1980s
It was one of the organization’s rare shout-outs to the club’s Philly roots.
Much as I liked Charlie O back in the ’70s, he was no substitute!
GreenNGoldSooner - August 17, 2009
Maybe the lousy attendance is an homage to the team's Philly roots, too!
Nick - August 17, 2009
"The Athletics - Over a Century of Providing Yankee Fans with a Home Away from Home"
GreenNGoldSooner - August 17, 2009
Foxx' number should be retired, as should Lefty Grove's.
UncleLeo - August 17, 2009
Well one thing I forgot...
is that the Athletics, for whatever reason, seem to love screwing their players over.
Whether it be Foxx being so mad he requested to have a B hat on his HOF plaque even though he played twice as long for the A’s, to all the post-dynasty nonsense, I guess they thought it would be better to start over?
PL78 - August 17, 2009
Blame Finley...
He purposefully removed the full name from all team logos in an effort to more closely associate the team with him- officially branding the team as the A’s while in Kansas City. In Charlie O and the Angry A’s – a biography that covered up to the ‘74 World Series title, he is quoted as saying something to the effect that “the Athletics” were a old-timey relic of Connie Mack’s tenure and this was his team – Finley’s Swingin’ A’s.
It’s a good read if you can find it.
As is To Every Thing a Season: Shibe Park and Urban Philadelphia for some mo’ Philly A’s flavor…
elhefe - August 17, 2009
I have a book called "Charlie O" by Herb Michelson...
…but no mention of ‘angry A’s’. Is that the one you mean?
If it is, you’re right, it’s a very good read.
UncleLeo - August 17, 2009
Nope.
This one is by Billy Libby.
$25.00 at Antiqbook.
elhefe - August 18, 2009
I just read it a month ago.
It really is a great read. I like how the first chapter is his shining view of himself. It’s all downhill from there.
I need to look for some more older A’s books at the local used bookstore.
LoneStranger - August 18, 2009
I missed the "live and in person" action
but watched and listen to both broadcasts from the tv and radio.
Man, what an exciting finish! I’m sure some of you can relate to having a flash in the 7th after Marshall bailed the A’s out…..that they were destined to come back and win in dramatic fashion!
Eliis’ shot in the 9th was gone before you could say, “Shazzam!”.
Really pathetic umpiring today by the way. Makes you wonder which game those idiots were watching. Anyhoo…….have not been able to post much lately and I miss the game threads with y’all. Go A’s and go AN!!!!!!! -MRod
mrod - August 17, 2009
The pessimism around Tomko
never became palpable to me until sitting here with my morning coffee with ESPN on I see the preview shot on the screen with the Yankees logo and A’s logo and their respective starting pitchers. Oh, gulp.
ak_A - August 17, 2009
Now watch him take a no-no into the 8th inning. LOL!
UncleLeo - August 17, 2009
I am so glad I went to this game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My throat hurt so bad after I left, I was screaming so loud. I was sitting next to the foul pole but on the second deck, so I couldn’t see where the ball went. I thought it was a double, but then I heard the mad screaming… WOOOT!!!!!!!!!! YAY UNICORN!!!!!!!!!!!!
but unfortunately I didn’t get the whole thing on film…. the minute I realized he had hit a walk off I dropped my camera and started screaming. oops. got a nice long video of chairs and peanut shells. yay.
#14fan - August 17, 2009
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